Local woman organizes water donation for Toledoans affected by Lake Erie algal bloom

Pictured are members of Kim Spangler’s family and church youth group that traveled to Toledo Saturday to deliver the 30+ cases and 18+ gallons of water they raised for those in need because of harmful algal bloom that had contaminated the city’s water supply. The group is standing with Red Cross members. (Photo submitted)

ADA — When Kim Spangler heard about the algae bloom that contaminated the water supply of over 400,000 people in Toledo, she couldn’t stand by and do nothing while people struggled to survive without water.

“I heard about it Saturday morning. I couldn’t stand that kids needed water for formula, adults going without and pets,” she said.

Spangler turned to social media, reaching out via Facebook to spread the word and ask for water donations. She also contacted Pastor Wayne Vaughn of her church New Birth Living Word, coworkers, friends and family.

Spangler said, “Before I knew it, we were strapping it to the roof, we had so much.”

Sunday after school, less than 24 hours after setting the fundraiser in motion, Kim and her family, with the help of some youth from her church, set out for Toledo. It was an amazing experience for the little group from Ada to be welcomed with open arms by those in need. People they gave water to were so thankful to know that, even over an hour’s drive away, people were thinking about them.

They took over 30 cases to Red Cross which was in turn taking it to homebound elderly. In addition, 18 gallon jugs were donated, so the group stopped at Toledo’s Ronald McDonald House to see if they could use them. They accepted them and were very grateful.

As she reflected on the experience, Kim said it was one of the most rewarding things of which she has ever been a part. If needed, she plans to collect more water for those in need.